Indoor vs Outside Oil Tank Install?
If you need to get an oil tank installed, you’ll have to decide on an indoor or outdoor installation. There are pros and cons to each method. So, your choice will depend on the use of the oil and size of the device. Here are a few factors to consider when you’re choosing between an outdoor or indoor oil tank.
Are Outside Oil Tanks Best?
Depending on how your home is constructed, you may consider having your water tank installed outside. However, this is not usually recommended. The main reason for this is that the outside temperature changes drastically throughout the year. This causes condensation inside of the tank. Oil tanks do have vents to let the air flow freely. However, vents will become filled with condensed air if the tank is outside. This causes the inside of the tank to become corroded and the oil lines to become frozen.
How to Solve Outdoor Oil Tank Freezing
If your oil tank is installed outside of your home, there’s a chance that the oil and water in the tank will freeze in winter. This is especially true if you live in an area where the winters are harsh. If the tank freezes, it needs to be thawed out, and all excess water should be drained from the tank. You may also have to add an additive to the tank and more oil to prevent explosions or corrosion.
It’s best to use blended oils to prevent the oil in the tank from freezing. A combination of kerosene and diesel is best to make sure the oil doesn’t gel or get too cloudy. Alternatively, you can add kerosene to the tank if the winters in your area will be particularly harsh. However, don’t add kerosene to the tank unless you check with a professional first. It may be best to have a contractor perform this job for you. It’s also a good idea to build a shed or shelter around the unit. If the metal of the oil tank is exposed to cold and rain, it can lead to corrosion.
Is an Oil Tank in the Garage Safe?
If you’d rather have your oil tank installed inside, you may be wondering if the garage is a safe place. The garage could be a safe place if you and your family don’t use the garage multiple times throughout the day. If the main purpose of the garage is storage and parking the car, the tank should be safe. This is another place where the tank will be safe from changes in the weather. As long as the oil tank is installed away from the wall
Oil Tank in Basement vs. Outside
Installing the oil tank in the basement usually means that the oil and water temperature will remain consistent. The basement floor also isn’t prone to frost. If the fuel oil starts to leak in the basement, you’ll likely be able to smell it right away. You can immediately contact a contractor to fix the problem. Keeping the oil tank in the basement also lessens the chances that the tank will be vandalized or stolen. When the oil tank is installed in the basement, heavy rains, snowstorms, and ice storms won’t affect the device.
Fuel Oil Tank Installation
All American Environmental has all the equipment and tools you need to install your oil tank. We can ensure that the procedure is safe and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Our skilled team will give you valuable information for keeping your water heater working at its best all year long. For more information on an Indoor vs Outside Oil Tank Install, contact All American Environmental. We are located in Lake Hopatcong, NJ and service northern NJ and beyond.
